Does everyone have to pay the bag charge?

Yes, however the ordinance allows stores to decide how they handle customers participating in WIC and CalFresh/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) programs. The ordinance does not require a Store to impose a bag charge to those participating in SNAP and WIC, nor does it mandate a Store to give out free reusable or free recycled paper bags. Per SNAP and WIC program regulations (NOT the Authority’s Ordinance 2012-2 regulations), if a Store charges fees for bags, SNAP and WIC funds cannot be used to pay those fees. Customers should bring enough reusable bags needed to carry items purchased at the store.

Contact Us

If you have questions about the ordinance, we'd like to help you understand the changes and get the assistance you need. Please complete our online contact form, call 510-891-6575 or email us at bags@stopwaste.org.